"No rings since 2013": NBA fans react to Heat naming court at Kaseya Center after Pat Riley
Pat Riley has been a staple of Miami Heat basketball since he arrived in 1995-96 as the team's head coach. Riley has built the Heat into a three-time champion in his time with the team and the organization is recognizing his contributions.
On Monday, the Miami Heat announced naming their court in Pat Riley's honor. With a post to X, Miami announced the naming of Pat Riley Court at Kaseya Center.
NBA Fans reacted to the post, and there was a mixed feeling among viewers, to say the least. Some fans roasted Pat Riley in the comments due to Miami's championship drought and lack of recent playoff success.
"No rings since 2013 and only cuz he had [LeBron James]," one fan argued.
"What did he ever do for them," another fan questioned.
"Hasn't done s**t since 2006," a fan bluntly commented.
Others felt the honor was deserved, given Riley's legendary resume.
"FOREVER Pat Riley's court," one fan exclaimed.
"Pat Riley is the ultimate GOAT of basketball. Won a championship as a player, had a dynasty as a coach, and has overseen a top-five franchise as an executive," a second fan commented.
"Well deserved," other fan wrote.
Pat Riley has an impressive resume of nine NBA championships, three of which came with the Heat. Riley won his fifth and final NBA championship as a head coach in 2006 with Miami and won two more championships as an executive.
Pat Riley entering his 30th season with Miami
This season will mark 30 years since Pat Riley joined the Miami Heat, becoming both president and head coach ahead of the 1995-96 NBA season. Under Riley's leadership, Miami has been one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference over the last three decades.
Riley served as the team's head coach for 11 seasons from 1995-96 to 2007-08, posting a record of 454-395. Pat Riley led the Heat to their first NBA championship in the 2005-06 season. Riley won one of his three NBA Coach of the Year awards with the Heat in the 1996-97 season. Pat Riley was also named one of the 15 greatest coaches in NBA history in 2022.
Riley was equally, if not more, successful in his lone role as the team's president. Riley formed one of the best big threes in NBA history, adding LeBron James and Chris Bosh alongside Dwayne Wade, winning two NBA championships with this trio in 2011-12 and 2012-13. Riley has won six Eastern Conference championships and was named Executive of the Year in 2010-11.